Introduction
If you’re looking for the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and sweet, tangy strawberries, this Chocolate Cake with Strawberries is the ultimate dessert. Made with fudgy chocolate layers, a luscious strawberry jam filling, and a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting, this cake is an indulgent treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special celebration.
This recipe combines the deep, intense flavors of cocoa with the fruity brightness of fresh strawberries, creating a showstopping dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Follow along for a step-by-step guide on making this strawberry chocolate cake from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Fudgy Chocolate Layers – Moist, dense, and packed with chocolate flavor.
- Fresh Strawberry Filling – Made with homemade strawberry jam for a natural sweetness.
- Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting – A perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, this cake is sure to impress.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the components in advance for easy assembly.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Strawberry Jam:
- 500g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 50g granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp water
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 190g all-purpose flour
- 75g natural cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 115g unsalted butter, melted
- 100g light-tasting oil
- 100g granulated sugar
- 100g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 330g milk, room temperature
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 100g powdered sugar
- 70g strawberry jam
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Filling & Toppings:
- 200g strawberries, finely diced
- 7 strawberries, halved for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Jam
- Cook the Jam: In a small pot, mix strawberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Thicken: Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency (about 10-15 minutes).
- Cool: Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled.
2️⃣ Bake the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat & Prepare Pans: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Alternate Dry & Milk: Gradually mix in half the dry ingredients, followed by half the milk, repeating until fully incorporated.
- Divide & Bake: Pour batter evenly into pans. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Let cakes rest for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
3️⃣ Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat Butter & Cream Cheese: Use an electric hand mixer to beat butter until creamy, then mix in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Sweetness: Mix in powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
- Prep for Piping: Transfer some frosting to a piping bag for easier assembly.
4️⃣ Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cakes: Use a serrated knife to slice each cake layer in half, creating four layers.
- Pipe a Frosting Ring: Place the first cake layer on a turntable. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge.
- Add Strawberry Filling: Spread 4 tablespoons of jam inside the frosting ring, then sprinkle with diced strawberries.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering cake, frosting, jam, and strawberries.
- Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake. Scrape away excess with a cake scraper.
- Final Coat & Decorate: Apply the final layer of frosting, smooth it out, and decorate with halved strawberries.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake with Strawberries
✅ Use high-quality cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor.
✅ Room temperature ingredients create a smoother batter.
✅ Chill the jam before using to prevent soggy cake layers.
✅ Freeze cake layers for 15 minutes before frosting for easier assembly.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cake layers can be wrapped & frozen for up to 2 months.
- Make Ahead: Frosting and jam can be prepared a day in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
💬 Can I use store-bought strawberry jam?
✔️ Yes! However, homemade jam adds freshness and better flavor.
💬 Can I make this as cupcakes?
✔️ Absolutely! Bake for 18-20 minutes at 350°F.
💬 What other frostings pair well with this cake?
✔️ Chocolate ganache or whipped cream frosting works great too!
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Strawberry Chocolate Cake 🍓🍫 – A Decadent Delight!
Description
This rich and fudgy chocolate cake is layered with homemade strawberry jam and topped with a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you crave something indulgent! 😍🎂
Ingredients
Strawberry Jam (or Use Store-Bought):
🍓 500g fresh or frozen strawberries
🍚 50g granulated sugar
💧 1 tbsp water
Chocolate Cake:
🌾 190g all-purpose flour
🍫 75g natural cocoa powder
🧁 1 tsp baking powder
🥄 ½ tsp baking soda
🧂 ½ tsp salt
🧈 115g unsalted butter, melted
🛢️ 100g light-tasting oil
🍚 100g granulated sugar
🍯 100g brown sugar
🥚 2 large eggs, room temperature
🥛 330g milk, room temperature
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
🧀 250g cream cheese, softened
🧈 115g unsalted butter, softened
🍚 100g powdered sugar
🍓 70g strawberry jam (from above)
🌿 1 tsp vanilla extract
Filling & Toppings:
🍓 200g strawberries, finely diced
🍓 7 strawberries, halved for decoration
Instructions
🍲 In a small pot, combine strawberries, sugar, and water.
🔥 Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it boils.
⏳ Continue cooking until thickened (about 10-15 minutes). The jam should slowly come back together when you drag a spatula through it.
❄️ Transfer to a bowl and cool in the fridge.
🔥 Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
🥣 Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
🥄 Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
🥚 Add eggs and mix until smooth.
🍚 Alternate adding half of the dry ingredients, then half of the milk, mixing after each addition until just combined.
🛢️ Divide batter evenly into cake pans (~540g per pan).
⏳ Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
❄️ Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
🧈 Beat softened butter until creamy using an electric mixer.
🧀 Add cream cheese, beating until smooth and fluffy.
🍚 Mix in powdered sugar, followed by strawberry jam & vanilla extract.
🛑 Stop & scrape down the bowl. Beat until well combined.
🎨 Transfer some frosting to a piping bag for assembly.
🔪 Level the cake layers using a serrated knife if needed. Cut each layer in half to create four layers.
🎂 First Layer: Place a cake layer on a cake turntable (if using). Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge.
🍓 Spread 4 tbsp strawberry jam inside the ring, then top with diced strawberries.
🔄 Repeat with the next layers.
🥄 Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake, then chill for 15 minutes.
🎨 Apply the final layer of frosting, smoothing with a cake scraper.
🍓 Add swirls of frosting using an offset spatula.
🍓 Press halved strawberries on top for decoration.
⏳ Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Serve & enjoy every bite of this luscious cake! 😋
Notes
✔️ Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and frosting.
✔️ Don’t overmix—stir just until combined for a fluffy cake.
✔️ Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor in the jam & frosting.
✔️ Chill before frosting to make decorating easier.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake with Strawberries is a decadent, rich, and flavorful dessert that’s sure to be the highlight of any occasion. With its moist chocolate cake layers, homemade strawberry jam, and smooth strawberry cream cheese frosting, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or weekend treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress!